Detecting fuzzy periodic patterns in futures spreads

This paper extends an optimal frequency domain test for the detection of synchronous patterns in multiple time series to the case of fuzzy patterns, which are not confined to single frequencies or narrow frequency bands. Applying this extension to corn futures with different delivery dates, we obtain significant results only for the spreads between the different contracts but not for the original contracts, which is an indication that spread trading has the advantage of increased predictability.     

Repeat and Non-returning Volunteers: The Promise of Episodic Events for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations - In this article, we are concerned with the recruitment potential of one-off episodic events for attracting and retaining...     

Leap Before You Layoff:: Look For Creative Alternatives

Layoffs may be a firm’s way of optimally responding to demand shifts, to changes in its industry position, or to unwelcome financial stress. But, within the current economic environment, and along with individuals’ changing attitudes, the notion of layoffs has taken on a new dimension, which deserves renewed attention and perspective. With knowledge now being considered a firm’s source of competitive advantage, organizations need to look within themselves to see if both they and their employees, the holders of such knowledge, are in a position to embrace a new dynamic of layoff alternatives.     

Editorial

Ohne Zusammenfassung

---

Editorial

     

Repeated chi-square testing

A sequentialized version of the x²; goodness of fit test, called repeated x,²; test, is introduced. The form of the asymptotic distribution of the repeated x² test statistic is given under the null hypothesis as well as under local alternatives. For various numbers of cells Monte Carlo results are given for critical values, power and distribution of stopping time. Finally, the perfor-mance of the repeated and the fixed sample x² test are compared.     

Editorial

Ohne Zusammenfassung

---

Editorial

     

Actors in Processes of Inclusion and Exclusion: Towards a Dynamic Approach

The terminological substitution of the poor/rich distinction by the exclusion/inclusion distinction marks an important innovation within social research, because it provides a multidimensional approach for the analysis of disadvantaged groups within society. The multidimensionality also implies that interactions between different dimensions of exclusion and inclusion become visible, hence offering a dynamic approach. Thus, research on exclusion/inclusion might be linked with longitudinal-data analyses. The dynamic aspect of the exclusion/inclusion research analytically upvalues the people involved in the processes of exclusion and inclusion. Social sciences no longer see them as nothing but victims, rather as actors coping with given circumstances. Thus, actors' own strategies become of crucial importance. As a consequence the notions of exclusion as 'bad' and inclusion as 'good' become unclear. Thus one has to take into account that actors perceive both inclusion and exclusion as 'good' or 'bad'.     

Ranking policy options for sustainable development

Sustainable development calls for choices among alternative policy options. It is a common view that such choices can be justified by appealing to an evaluative ranking of the options with respect to how their consequences affect a broad range of prudential and moral values. Three philosophically motivated proposals for analysing evaluative rankings are discussed: the measured merits model (e.g. Chang), the ordered values model (e.g. Griffin), and the permissible preference orderings model (Rabinowicz). The analysis focuses on the models’ potential for making transparent how an evaluative ranking can contribute to a justified choice among options, particularly in situations that involve diverse values as typically found in debates on sustainable development. Such transparency plays a crucial role when policy rankings are going to be used as arguments in political decision processes. The measured merits model is found to have questionable consequences for the concept of sustainability, while the ordered values model calls for an axiological framework that cannot plausibly be spelled out for sustainability. The permissible preference orderings model is more promising. Its formal structure and its ability to deal with value-pluralism provide an interesting re-structuring of the problem of justifying choices in sustainability issues.